In its latest ICT index, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has revealed that the world is advancing towards universal and meaningful digital connectivity.
In Africa, Libya stands out with the highest ICT index score.
According to the latest ICT Development Index (IDI) from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the world is advancing towards universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC). This means ensuring that everyone can access the internet under the best conditions, affordably, and whenever they need it, no matter where they are.
The Index (IDI), which now covers 170 economies, shows how Africa and other regions in the world are faring digitally. Enhanced data availability allowed for the inclusion of five additional economies that were previously excluded, while four had to be removed due to insufficient data this time around.
With the rise of technology, the world has truly become a global village, where distance and borders are no longer barriers to connectivity and innovation.
Notably, the average overall score for the 170 economies covered in the new edition is 74.8 out of 100, reflecting an improvement of 3.3 per cent from the 2023 edition.
Low-income economies showed the largest improvement; the group’s average IDI score is 36.2, up 13.7 per cent from the previous edition. The largest score increases were driven mainly by gains in internet use, mobile broadband penetration, and affordability.
In contrast, high-income economies saw a score increase of only 1.4 per cent, largely because their average score is 91.7, leaving much less room for improvement. The gap between low-income and high-income economies remains significant.
Also, the average IDI score for low-income economies is 36.2, compared to 64.8 for lower-middle-income economies.
Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, stated “However, we have to recognize that each tally Advanced African Nations: Libya Tops ITU’s Latest ICT Development Index
The digital age has redefined global connectivity, with technology erasing borders and shrinking distances. A recent report by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) underscores the growing importance of digital infrastructure across the globe. Within Africa, Libya emerges as the leader in digital advancement, according to the latest ICT Development Index (IDI).
The IDI, an essential metric developed by the ITU, now spans 170 economies and highlights progress towards universal and meaningful connectivity (UMC). UMC emphasizes the necessity for everyone to access the internet seamlessly, affordably, and without geographical limitations. The new report signals Africa’s strides in embracing this digital future.
Globally, the average score for the 170 economies assessed in this year’s IDI stands at 74.8 out of 100, an increase of 3.3 percent compared to the previous edition. Notably, low-income economies demonstrated the largest leaps in digital development, with an average score of 36.2, marking a 13.7 percent rise from the previous year. These improvements were primarily driven by increased internet usage, the broader penetration of mobile broadband, and enhanced affordability.
While high-income economies showed only a modest score increase of 1.4 percent, reflecting their already advanced digital infrastructure, the divide between low- and high-income countries remains vast. Low-income nations average a score of 36.2, whereas high-income countries hold an impressive average of 91.7. Lower-middle-income economies, meanwhile, average a score of 64.8, indicating a substantial gap between the digital haves and have-nots.
Dr. Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, remarked on the varying paces of digital development, emphasizing that each country’s journey is unique. “Every nation faces its own set of challenges and must carve out its path to progress,” he stated, stressing the need for tailored approaches to digital development.
In Africa, Libya leads the way with an ICT Development Index score of 88.1, followed by Morocco with 86.8, and Seychelles at 84.7. Other top-performing nations include Mauritius, South Africa, and Algeria. These countries represent Africa’s commitment to embracing technology as a cornerstone of their economic development.
Below are the top 10 digitally developed African countries according to the latest ITU report:
| Rank | Country | ICT Development Index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Libya | 88.1 |
| 2 | Morocco | 86.8 |
| 3 | Seychelles | 84.7 |
| 4 | Mauritius | 84.2 |
| 5 | South Africa | 83.6 |
| 6 | Algeria | 80.9 |
| 7 | Botswana | 78.7 |
| 8 | Tunisia | 77.2 |
| 9 | Egypt | 76.8 |
| 1o | Gabon | 74.7 |
